Buy TicketsBy Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman
Hot List Key:
A : A preferred horse to watch B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches in the final 3 minutes and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.
1st race – (6) Rich Gift was a good third at this level while racing wide and can work out a winning trip here. (2) Country Jewel returns to claimers and should be a threat here. (4) Kiss Upon a Star might wake up on turf. (5) Downburst should be a factor at the end. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-6.
3rd race – (2) Digital Software takes a big class drop and should prove best here in his Tapeta debut. (4) T Ville was second and first in his last two starts and could be the main rival. (7) Pleasecallmeback figures to be effective at this distance. (1) El Socio can be a factor from the rail. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7. Doubles: 1-2-4-7 with 2-3-6-7.
4th race – (7) Mesaoria was third in his last three starts and has trained on a synthetic surface, making him the pick. (6) Timo figures to be closing nicely at the end. (3) Hitting Bombs might be effective on Tapeta. (2) Most Wanted Man is worth a look in this spot. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7. Exactas: 6-7 over 2-3 and 2-3 over 6-7.
7th race – (3) Strokes ran well enough on Tapeta at Woodbine to merit being the top pick here. (2) Carlotuk posted his lone win on turf and deserves attention on Tapeta. (4) Defended could be tough to catch in this spot. (7) One of One will appreciate a return to Tapeta. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-7.
9th race – (8) Valiant Shi Shi returns to Tapeta and seems ready for a top effort at this level. (7) Fia First adds Lasix and should turn in an improved effort. (4) Kavala could be a factor in her career debut with Irad. (2) Go Mika has enough speed to be a contender in this field. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-7-8.